The effects of the Covid 19 pandemic have resulted in a rise in children needing foster care and a fall in people coming forward to become foster carers – something which Solihull Council is hoping residents can help change.
The fostering team is hosting a virtual information event to recruit new foster carers and is inviting those who can offer a Solihull child a safe and loving home the opportunity to find out more.
During the pandemic, pressures such as job losses and declining mental health have resulted in more families needing access to services. Lockdowns have meant that vulnerable children have spent more time at home where they may have experienced neglect and abuse.
Michelle, 41, from Solihull, was approved as a foster carer in September last year after deciding to transfer the skills she’d built up in her childminding business into providing a home for a vulnerable child.
She said: “I completed my training during the first lockdown, became approved in September and had my first placement in October.
“I knew that there was a rise in children going into care during the pandemic, and this confirmed that I’d made the right decision to become a foster carer. I felt pleased to be playing a part in helping those children.
Almost anyone can become a foster carer, whether you are single, married, young or retired, a homeowner or in rented accommodation. All you need is a spare bedroom and a willingness to give a child a safe and loving home.
Foster carers of all ages, cultures and backgrounds are needed in Solihull to look after children for short and more extended periods.
If you are interested in joining the information session, which will be held via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 28th September at 6.30 pm, please email [email protected] for details.
For further information on fostering, people are invited to sign up to the Council’s email news alerts at www.solihull.gov.uk/stayconnected. For more information, please call 0121 788 4253 or visit www.solihull.gov.uk/fostering.
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